In a letter to Institute of Fundraising members, Peter Lewis chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising, announced a set of actions for the membership body to tackle the climate emergency.
After consulting with members, including a roundtable on fundraising and the environment, the IoF’s Board of Trustees approved a series of eight commitments for the Institute.
The commitments include embedding the climate emergency as a theme in our work, providing more support to our members on stepping away from partnerships if they have environmental concerns, and collaborating with the charity sector for a stronger voice.
With the environmental stakes higher than ever before, Peter announced that “we all have a responsibility to deliver change”.
He continued, “We have been reducing the environmental impact of the Institute over the last few years. But we need to do more.”
“As fundraisers we have specific opportunities to make essential change. Whether it’s in the choices we make on how we fundraise, the donations we accept or refuse, or through the engagement we have with millions of people who support and donate to charities, we can be part of the of the change that’s needed. Each of our solutions might be different but one thing is clear: business as usual is not an option.”
The IoF has committed to:
- Embedding the climate emergency as a continuing priority in our work, including reviewing our own behaviours and practices, led by our internal Green Group
- Establishing a task-group of environmentally committed and expert members who will consult with members and suppliers and guide us on policy change and action.
- Renewing and refreshing our guidance to ensure that it includes the latest and most useful resources to help fundraisers improve their environmental impact.
- Providing more support to our members on when they can refuse donations, and step away from partnerships, when they have environmental concerns.
- Engaging with our charity sector partners to ask for a joint approach and consistent messaging across the charity sector.
- Working with the Fundraising Regulator to review any changes needed to the Code of Fundraising Practice on environmental fundraising practices and issues.
- Implementing an updated environmental policyfor IoF’s events and conferences.
- Working with Civil Society Media to make the packaging around Fundraising Magazine more environmentally-friendly.
If you want to be involved and if you have thoughts, comments, or ideas then please send them to policy@institute-of-fundraising.org.uk.
Read the letter in full – “Our role in tackling the climate crisis”
